The Man With the Golden Gun (1974)
Overall Rank- 12th
This Bond film is right in the middle of the road for me. When I was younger, the scenes in the fun house and the concept of the golden gun (a gun that is put together with three ordinary items) was intriguing. As I have grown, I find I enjoy this film less. I imagine it is because I have seen it so many times.
Scaramanga is still one of my favorite villains, and Christopher Lee’s acting was top notch. Nick Nack was also an intriguing character.
Mary Goodnight is one of my favorite Bond girls as well. Her portrayal of a ditsy blond is very convincing. I also find Bond’s annoyance with her throughout the film to be decent comic relief.
The martial arts aspect of the film is another factor that I have grown tired of the more I watch it.
I am probably the only person who enjoys the character of J.W. Pepper. I find his comedy much more intriguing than Bond’s cheesy one liners. Probably because I recognize the stereotype his character is playing to. He remains one of my favorite comic relief characters because of the great contrast between him (a good old boy) and Bond (suave secret agent).
Overall I don’t really have any complaints, but very little stands out. This average Bond film may be more appealing to younger audiences as there are more “fun” concepts. I can safely recommend this film, though it is somewhat mediocre overall.